God is With Us chanted in Appalachian bluegrass style | Orthodox Americana

*I did not create this video!
Please visit the Right Glory channel: youtube.com/@R...
A snippet from "God Is With Us," an ancient Orthodox hymn based on the prophecy of Isaiah, chanted here in traditional Appalachian Bluegrass style. It's wonderful because it sounds ancient yet has an authentically Americana sound. Orthodoxy never subverts the cultures it comes across, but rather grafts the wholesome elements of those cultures onto Holy Tradition to give glory to God.
In an age where Protestant and Catholic churches in America are hemorrhaging people, Orthodoxy is slowly growing, and this particular hymn provides a hopeful glimpse at what genuine American Orthodoxy could be. This actually makes me feel really patriotic. America has a great sin; a kind of prelest born out of its rejection of monarchy. The forefathers had their reasons and their good intentions for rejecting it, but they had an ignorance of the Orthodox understanding of the symbolic need for a submission to monarchal hierarchy, and the Protestant individualism that ensued has led to the present relativism, which could potentially be our demise. America stands in a quite ambiguous place. But God, who mercifully "desireth not that the sinner should die, but turn from his wicked ways and live," sees our good intentions and knows that America, despite our long-foolhardy ignorance of the Orthodox way, has always called upon the name of Jesus Christ. And maybe, for that, He could forgive us.
☦🇺🇸

[@Joshualbatross]

***UPDATE: Many people have asked about a version of the audio without the echo that was added in a post-production edit. It can be found on the "Right Glory" KZbin channel, from which this video originates. I stole this video from a Facebook post and uploaded it to my KZbin channel, and in just a few days it's already received over a thousand views. It's a very good sign: people are yearning in their hearts to see an authentic American Christianity that is commensurate with ancient Holy Tradition. Appalachian bluegrass is one of a very few wholesome art forms which America has that is truly traditional and wholly American. Bluegrass is entirely American, in a somewhat surprising way: it's an organic mixture of Irish/Scottish Celtic roots and the strong influence of Southern Creole culture, affected musically by the contribution of the banjo- an African American instrument which is tonally unique and characterizes the basis of all bluegrass music. Even the strings of the banjo traditionally have a unique tuning, which many recognize as the origin of all blues and American "soul" music. The existence of rock music and the electric guitar today ultimately finds its beginnings in the blues standards which are rooted in bluegrass. Although the chant in this hymn is choral, having only the human voice (as all Orthodox music does), it incorporates those authentic bluegrass tones, and illustrates for the modern world the timeless manner in which Orthodoxy joins itself to a people. We have, so far, the Paschal "Christ is Risen" hymn offered in the Appalachian bluegrass style, and now the Nativity hymn "God is With Us" coming into its own, and I am glowing to see what other beautiful Orthodox hymns will come to be stylized in this genuine American way. The future is honestly looking pretty gloomy, but there are plenty of silver linings.

[@byzantineladybug9471]

Amen! ☦🙏☦

[@vtino4825]

the fact is, the biblical worship of God's people is choral AND also instrumental, with shouts calling on the Name of the LORD

[@fallen605]

Amen Americans still have strong beliefs, I'm Irish and this is beautiful 🌹

[@HamiltonProvonsha]

The church is St John of the Ladder Orthodox Church in Greenville, South Carolina (OCA). Credit for the video goes to Daniel Gutierrez; credit for the singing goes to Ilaria O'Keefe, Alex Vernet, and myself. Credit for the composition goes to Father Gregory Potter, a former seminarian at St Vladimir's in Yonkers, New York.

[@Realsovietholyman]

I spent the first 6months of my life in the chapel at St Vlads, 83-84. My Dad Got ordained in like 94ish in St Augustine Florida in the GOCA. Dont let my pic and name misjudge me, i dont remember how to change it.@@HamiltonProvonsha

[@hjc1402]

Wow beautiful. I’m an Appalachian and haven’t heard any Christian chant in our style. Really shows the beauty of this style when used for the kingdom of God.

[@larrym.johnson9219]

Appalachian myself WV goes back to Celtic throat singing it's beautiful.

[@hjc1402]

@@larrym.johnson9219 WV also! Yeah I thought it mostly went back to Irish, even still today they sound pretty similar.

[@ANIND123]

the Traditional Roman Catholic Hymnal from the SSPX has some music of Celtic roots.

[@Tikhon88]

The Appalachian and south in general are largely English and the last anglo part of the country with exception of the northern Appalachians were it starts to become Celtic and Germans

[@dystopian2153]

There's an Orthodox Christian church and monastery in Appalachia. I saw a short documentary on it on you tube. Many Protestants there attend it. Very interesting..

[@chiefscrubadub3928]

Powerful !

[@megleyd]

This is Christ among our people

[@ryrocks9487]

Truly beautiful.

[@fredharvey2720]

🤩 bedazzled

[@RinconSurf-y6i]

Fantastic

[@iraqiimmigrant2908]

Where is this church!?

[@Joshualbatross]

St. John of the Ladder Orthodox Church in Greenville, South Carolina

[@lindaphillips4646]

@@Joshualbatross thank you. Had no idea how beautiful the new church is. Thank you..

[@Vishalmaha88]

Sounds older than present day bluegrass… strong influence of the Scottish/Irish traditions brought to Appalachia. Very emotive and powerful. A fitting way to praise our God.

[@justforever96]

Bluegrass was invented in the 1960s, it's based on the much older Appalachian sound, and "old timey" music. They took the old sounds and sped it up and added solo parts, etc. I definitely prefer the older style myself. And yes, it sounds fantastic blended with the Orthodox sound. This is only the second time I have seen this, the other video was just a couple of seminary students playing around, but it is amazing. I hope this is a trend.

[@francesb5004]

So beautiful 😢

[@VLADPowder]

@@justforever96 Yo thanks for introducing me to this, I had no clue this existed and I'm quite enjoying this playlist I found on YT of it 😎

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

Bluegrass was only invented around 1940 by Bill Monroe.

[@JesusChristisgreat-pj6nd]

​@@berndtherrenvolk1951modern recorded bluegrass yes, bluegrass in general? Heck no! Our people are still playing jigs and reels brought from the British isles, Star of the County Down and such. We only tweaked the sound slightly with some African influence. Some even argue we made it sound better.

[@olgarql]

American Orthodoxy is alive and breathing. ☦ Greetings from a South American sister in Christ! 🇧🇷

[@antiglobaljoel532]

Christ is risen!

[@RainedOnParade]

The purity spiraling of Protestants, Catholics, and the Orrhodox… It is to such an extent and has happened for so long that no one knows how things should be done any different. On the matter of the song. God is with us ❌ We are with God ✅

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I'm Serbian Orthodox and I feel deeply connected and touched. Thank you for sharing your love for God. Христе Боже, помилуј нас грешне. Амин!

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I would love to hear this himn in your interpretation kzbin.info/www/bejne/qouqeqWladZnbKcsi=GCNMTGe7qHJ8cucX kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqDbn5KQaNWaqK8si=vsWBMFTLqtc9b8Ta

[@DusanTodorovicDukeBgd]

I would love to here your adaptation to this hymn kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKfLnKSdq8don9Usi=wcHqpHmxWkN6YXT9 I think it would sound great Pobedna Pesma (Победна Песма) Lyrics Evo Gospoda, s vojskama ide Dušmani naši nek' se postide Nek' se postide, nek' se pokaju Gle - vojske Neba kako blistaju Kako blistaju kako se ore Sležu stenama visoke gore Visoke gore, i gordi cari Ide Gospod da se zacari Serafi napred pa heruvimi Sva zemlja gori, sav se svet dimi Sav svet se dimi, teško se diše Radost i užas ko da opiše Ko da opiše čudo čudesa Kad Zemlju grešnu stegnu Nebesa Stegnu nеbesa svojom blizinom Tad' zemlja plodu slična je gnjilom Vojskе za vojskom iz neba niču Angeli trube, pravedni kliču Pravedni kliču: "Evo Gospoda" Neka iščeznu zemlja i voda Zemlja i voda na što nam više Gle sad se zbiva što pismo piše Što pismo piše, sve se događa Novo se Nebo i Zemlja rađa Evo Gospoda ustajte ljudi Evo Ga ide svetu da sudi Svetu da sudi, stado da luči Od stopa svemir tutnji i huči Tutnji i huči zemlja i nebo Šta će nam sada zlato i srebro Zlato i srebro neka počine A ti nam blistaj BOŽIJI SINE

[@b.r.holmes6365]

My maternal great grandparents were Serbs who ended up in Appalachia. Have a blessed Lent brother in Christ.

[@MsMark2001]

I am Russian, Orthodox Christian, I live in Russia. Your performance is great! It seems to me that I almost stopped breathing listening to you. Thank you, Orthodox brothers! God bless you!

[@Thejudge4545]

American Orthodoxy is growing☦️. In Colorado at my parish every vespers is full and when it is Divine Liturgy it is packed to the gills with families with many children! 80 people have been baptized just this last year alone!

[@osstoj7155]

The ancient ways are returning more and more. Atheism is crumbling everyday

[@Linkolite]

Where in Colorado? I am looking more into orthodoxy, I grew up as a Protestant and fell out of the faith as a teenager. I am interested in traditional Christian religions moreso because of the hypocrisy of so many Protestant churches changing their values and allowing women to preach, which I think is a sad sign of the times for Protestant churches. I live in Colorado as well, glad to see someone living by virtue in this state. God bless you and your family. :)

[@Thejudge4545]

@@Linkolite I am in the colorado springs area where there is a OCA (my church) church, small Greek church, and another OCA church being built. In Pueblo there is a Orthodox church and Denver has quite a few orthodox churches, loveland has a greek church. Those are the ones off the top of my head. Interesting fact is that Colorado is #4 in the most Orthodox populated state. I was in the same boat as you coming from a protestant background. Come, see, and receive you won't regret it.

[@b.r.holmes6365]

God be praised 😊

[@curtwayne4089]

We are so back brothers and sisters

[@jan_sobieski444]

This seems so natural. There’s nothing contrived or strained about it. It isn’t hokey, overproduced, or otherwise insincere. Thank you. I really needed this today.

[@9FisterSpit9]

No one can pin down true freedom. We all know who invented the lightbulb... Separation of Church and State was too protect you and your true value's. Not the modern clergymen who not only avoid knowing any of your true value, but thinks that it "owns" all of it, and in a parental sense. Lmao. The bastards that produce modern music, knew nothing of Christian Folk music, until it was accompanied by some of our naked women dancing too it for them. Since than the picture has looked off if it wasn't a green crayon that drew out your grass. In there eyes, it really needs to be the blue one.

[@itsgettingold]

I hear the old Highlands and Western Isles music that the Appalachian music grew from when the Scots emigrated there. - Love from an old Scot far from home with so many memories of this sound.

[@hanseldsilva2393]

I hear Native American folk and a hint of African American blues

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

​@@hanseldsilva2393 LOOOOOOL you poor thing. I hope this comment is a joke LOL

[@dianakidd4219]

@@Aromatic.Bleach I agree. It’s nothing like bluegrass or Black music

[@ValidityJ]

Applachian Orthodox need to do a CD. Do you know how proud I am to be an American, Orthodox, and FINALLY have a style of Orthodoxy that is not Greek....not Russian.... but AMERICAN?! PLEASE, Applachian Orthodox, turn out a CD in this style with digital download and I'll buy it.

[@g01tr3]

I second that 👍

[@Olivia-Saturday]

I would buy it!

[@SalyLuz-hc6he]

Yes, please do release a CD! I’d be glad to buy it! 💙🌅🫶🏼

[@scottlewis9127]

I would buy it without hesitation

[@UnOrthodox_Christian]

Amen. Glory to Jesus Christ! ☦️

[@heathsavage4852]

Reminds me of the Gaelic chants of the western isles of Scotland. Spine-tingling.

[@VwB94]

Me being born and raised in Virginia, I know the Orthodox Church isn’t the traditional Appalachian church, but I thank God I found it.

[@RelentlessRevolver7]

Mega Based Fellow Virginian

[@Chance_Rice]

Virginia is peak America

[@ginarose8634]

I am from Eastern Kentucky and GOD IS WITH US!! Praise Him! Lately I have felt a moving of His Holy Spirit, oh the depth, the cry in my soul, My King is COMING BACK and SOON! Watch and pray beloved, Christ is returning soon!

[@JesusChristisgreat-pj6nd]

Amen from East Tennessee

[@TheSouthernLady777]

East Tennessee here, my sister! Soon enough we will be going home ❤!

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@TheSouthernLady777 Amen and //glory ti /gid!

[@cntrygrlTawanna]

Maranatha🙏

[@alexandramaric6040]

I AM A MILITARY BRAT BUT MY GREAT GRAND DADDY is from these parts. I am an Orthodox an Orthodox Christian and my American DNA just merged with my Serbian DNA in this chant. SPECTACULAR!

[@TheMiriam333]

Awesome!!

[@vladodobleja748]

In Romania we are building the largest Orthodox Cathedral that the world has ever seen!

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

What does being military have to do with anything? You got the brat part right. Stop humble bragging.

[@-data]

Why the hostility..?@@Aromatic.Bleach

[@taffowen3993]

I was thinking it touched me in a way like Serbian orthodox chanting

[@has25252]

Beautiful. Gives me goosebumps. This seems to me to be authentic American Orthodox expression. Glor to God!

[@vladodobleja748]

Orthodox chants are monophonic though...

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@vladodobleja748 Not all. Some chants use a drone (like the eson (sp.?) in Greek and some chant is polyphonic.

[@DFlaminberry]

​@@vladodobleja748 :p bah humbug

[@someonesomewhere8888]

Beautiful sound. This is the real ecumenical character of Orthodoxy. I love it when people from all over the world adapt their cultural elements in the Holy Liturgy.

[@AlexanderBrown77]

✝️ 1 Corinthians 15 kJV 🩸 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3 kJV 🩸 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

[@AltoonaYourPiano]

This sounds like a visit to the Orthodox church up the mountains in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. My mom's side of the family has some Eastern Orthodox family and growing up, we always celebrated January 7 as a second Christmas. To this day I still leave the Christmas decorations up until January 8-10 most years (sometimes later depending on the weather).

[@harrietharlow9929]

When I put them up, I tend to leave them up 'til Julian New Year.

[@northernkarma9296]

Scotts-Irish Canadian. Ths music resonates to the bottom of my belly! Deep in my soul I know I am an Orthodox Christian. God Bless us all!!

[@marclayne9261]

Scot-Irish Appalachian, ancestors since 1740s, Virginia & Kentucky....I consider myself an Orthodox Christian.....It is filled with the Holy Spirit...

[@NoYesNoY]

Wow so beautiful Greetings from Orthodox Serbia Love to my American Orthodox Brothers ☦️🇺🇸🇷🇺🇷🇸☦️🙏🏽☝🏽❤️

[@keysofperception4377]

Slava brat moj! Bog je snama!

[@sympnia]

As an Orthodox Christian (living in Greece) but of Apallachian descent... I really needed this! :-) More please.

[@steviov3376]

This is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. Kyrie eleison 🙏🏼☦️

[@mladenbaldzic9645]

Greetings from a Serbian Orthodox Brother. It really touched my heart. ☦️

[@whenpiratesattack]

God is the Ancient of Days and the Appalachian mountains are ancient in their own ways. Older than trees, the Appalachian feel mystic by themselves. With recognizing the sovereignty of God over them, this hymn becomes yet even more powerful as the people of the mountains sing praises to the ones who made them.

[@anthonychilders9549]

Fun geographical fact: It, the Scottish Highlands, and the Atlas Mountains in Africa are apart of the OLDEST mountain range, LITERALLY older than Pangaea.

[@harrietharlow9929]

@@anthonychilders9549 Yep. Which might be why my Celtic heart feels a power and familiarity I don't get with, say, the Rockies. Oh and there are mountains in Scotland where the top rock is North American from a time when Scotland was attached to what would become North America.

[@grimble4564]

The Appalachians are older than bones

[@ffs6158]

I would pay good money for a studio recorded version of everything in this ❤

[@emmaschauer5409]

I feel that if there is ever a true Orthodox Church of America, this is what it will sound like. Glory to God for all things.

[@SL-yy4bk]

That's not the way this works though. Native populations adopt existing traditions within Orthodoxy and over time it organically takes on its own character--but its never entirely separate from it original form. Romanian Byzantine chant sounds different than the kind you would encounter in Syria which is different than the kind you would in Greece...but its still Byzantine chant.

[@achilleuspetreas3828]

@@SL-yy4bk But then you have the Georgian chanting styles from Georgia...all regional based on their area of Georgia and in the same style of their pre-conversion. I feel like if there was ever a true Orthodox Church of America, it would vary a ton...maybe the Appalachian style would catch on, but just like this country, I feel it would be a giant mix of styles depending on the local church...much like today

[@francesb5004]

Beautiful, never heard a chant before

[@georgek3261]

@@SL-yy4bkAnd who dictates how is it supposed to work?

[@Sillydilly321]

There is an officially recognized Orthodox Church of America.

[@Pea.soup26]

I'm not Orthodox, but this is absolutely beautiful

[@CharlieOscarDeuce]

I am Catholic and part of my family is from the WNC mountains. This is beyond powerful. I need to know if there is more chants like this somewhere.

[@osstoj7155]

I instantly started to cry. Be blessed and protected. May the Lord watch over you. Greetings from Serbia

[@carmell51]

This is so beautiful! I love hearing it with a Appalachian voices. Haven’t grown up in the Appalachian area. It’s something that stays with you. I’ve heard it said if you move away, you always come back you can’t get away from. I found that true. I thank you for this beautiful, beautiful singing, and the word of God. God bless you.😊

[@alseyhopkins3368]

God bless the South

[@DavinaMaryMagdalene]

so beautiful you can truly hear those slightly bluesy riffs in Bluegrass- GLORY TO GOD ☦️🙏🏻🤍🕯️

[@innocente7795]

Glory to Christ God☦️This short video is so wonderful. The images and the words and of course the amazing American Orthodox style chant… such a beautiful three and half minutes. I keep coming back to see it over again. Thank you so much. Lord bless

[@colereece3902]

I’ve always greatly enjoyed the presence of the Irish subculture within the Appalachian culture itself. I can hear it coming out in this.

[@lisagleim1436]

Yessssss!!!!

[@thecannibalrobot]

Scottish, not Irish.

[@colereece3902]

@@thecannibalrobot so you’re claiming that there’s no Irish subculture in the American east

[@seirbhiseach]

@@colereece3902 The American East and Appalachia are two different things. They didn't move from Boston and New York to Chattanooga and Pilot Mountain and displace the established British subculture with their own, and the "Irish" that came to Appalachia before the famine sent the actual Irish to those traditionally Irish places in the American East were Scots from Ulster.

[@Peachy08]

​@@colereece3902mist Irish are in the N. East. Like Boston. Appalachian peoples mistly descended from Scots.

[@garywhitt98]

Yes, the tonal stylings of the Celts Across the Sea, the Appalachians. Amen and amen from the mountains of the Blue Ridge.

[@harrietharlow9929]

Gotta say, this speaks to my Celtic heart.

[@FusionPatriot]

imagine if this was the national anthem

[@ryrocks9487]

That would be amazing.

[@dianakidd4219]

The song we have now is much better than this one. This sure isn’t bluegrass either

[@newrealm9187]

It should be

[@nickkerinklio8239]

These are the things the Antichrist will offer us if we worship him. Don’t expect good things from the world. Saint Seraphim Rose warns about these exact type of temptations

[@RoJoMacCready]

For unto us a son is born, Unto us a child is given, For God is with us.

[@bdnl6268]

Reminiscent too of Scottish Gaelic psalm singing - check it out.

[@PapaPhilip]

It's not Bluegrass at all. Bluegrass style dates to the 1940's and is instrumental and voca music with roots in Old Time, Blues, and Jazz and is nothing like this style of music (don't get me wrong, I like and play bluegrass as well as Old Time and Irish music., which is part of my mother's heritage from E. Kentucky). This is an older style of music (like Shape note or Sacred Harp style) which has its roots in the 18th Century Anglo/American Psalmody tradition which would be a great foundation for an American Orthodox musical Tradition. It's actually not just Appalachian, but started in New England and spread. The Appalachians and Southerners held onto it longest. It's a truly American music which is both respectful and dignified.

[@flammingstinkstink1178]

Never thought the mountains would be able to treasure the beauty of orthodoxy but thinking about the caucus nations it actually make a lot of sense

[@rassy612]

I think this very sentiment is built into the very fabric of the Church. "Can any good come from Nazareth?"

[@siryizzur]

Tears in my eyes, heart swelling, and feeling close to the Lord. Beautiful music. Thank you and may God bless you.

[@dominicneighbor9407]

This is beautiful where can I find the sheet music for this? As a Roman Catholic I love seeing the beauty of the Eastern Church and continue to pray that we may be reunited soon! God Bless Y'all

[@toodaloo7]

There is no sheet music. It is improvised.

[@toodaloo7]

I should clarify - the verses are improvised (based on the tonality of the whole piece) and the refrain is set. It was first sung as a spontaneous experiment at St Vlad's Seminary (in the cafeteria) by Fr Gregory (Erik) Potter and another seminarian, whose name has escaped me.

[@dominicneighbor9407]

@@toodaloo7 that just. makes this even more cool! thanks for the info

[@csommer4492]

Need a love button, the echo makes me feel like I'm beside the people chanting.

[@cuchulain1647]

That’s Scotch Irish.

[@marcuslatrent528]

Scottsirish with a little German. Perfectly Appalachian.

[@silentdogfart4892]

*Scot, or Scottish.

[@Itstwofourteen]

I broke down crying listening to this... This is truly beautiful.

[@BlueDusk95]

God bless you from France! It's gorgeous. It sounds like these Scottish laments called pibroch.

[@jefferysmith4753]

This is giving this displaced Appalachian boy chills. It is wonderful. I am left with homesickness for the foothills and joy that this exist!

[@stekas5003]

Thank you brother that hymn gave tears and joy altogether (χαρμολύπη) ,god bless from Greece.

[@tomg.6881]

What church was this recorded in? Very Beautiful!

[@kokotepeyac]

This is the best attempt of Appalachian / Scots Irish CHANT I have yet found. Bravo! It carries several melodic patterns from the Sacred Harp Songbook and Ballad tradition and retrofits them with phrasing and text of Greek Christian chant tradition. It’s a match made in Heaven! Please make more!!! But you should really change the title… it is DEFINITELY NOT bluegrass. (Though it is in the same cultural patrimony.) You should rename it to something like … Appalachian Chant / inspired by Sacred Harp / Ballad singing.

[@BlueberryGirl723]

Beautiful song, very well done. Thank you. This was a blessing to hear. Christian Americans do submit to a Monarchal Hierarchy, and that is Jesus Christ KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. As free Americans we have no other King but Jesus Christ. Only the Word of God who walked among us in the flesh when He was born in Bethlehem and lived with us for 33 years is our guide and authority. John 1, KJV. May our only King ever be praised!

[@Wenum32]

This truly is beautiful and brings tears to my eyes. I hope you release more of this style of hymns. If anyone knows where else to find hymns like this please let me know! That being said stay in prayer brothers and sisters for Christ our Lord and Savior is coming soon 🙏👑

[@isaacwebber704]

No offense Orthodox countries, but this is what my soul thirsts for. IN GOD WE TRUST! E PLURIBUS UNUM! ☦️🇺🇸☦️🇺🇸

[@dystopian2153]

Why would it be offensive? We think it's beautiful. There's been marrying of Orthodox and Protestant Appalachian cultures lately. I'm actually both. My dad was Orthodox Greek Christian and mom was Protestant and her family played bluegrass music.

[@jamesbhollingsworth5452]

Isaiah 8:7-10 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria [the antichrist], and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. Isaiah 9:1-2 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Matthew 4:13-16 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Isaiah 9:7-8 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. Joel 3:16-18 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim. Revelation 21:3-8 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:9-11 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; Revelation 21:22-26 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. Revelation 22:3-5 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:20-21 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

[@user-jx7uo5jo4q]

Christ is King

[@Outrider74]

My daughter and I both agree that this works very well. Nice

[@tomz1daful]

Sounds like it wants to break into sacred harp music... Hearing each groyp singing is so solumn... Beautiful....

[@scautoharpist]

Another great example of sacred harp singing can be heard in the movie Cold Mountain. Some churches in appalachia still sing in the hollow square and achieve this wonderfully powerful sound that can be heard for miles away.

[@ermisliviosakapoobah669]

Συγχαρητήρια. How moving, especially for a Greek-American cantor in the psaltic tradition. The execution in English and with the Appalachian style demonstrates the deep genetic and cultural roots that tie the Scottish and Irish nations with the Greeks in our shared Celtic lanugage, music and culture. God is with us indeed! And I am uplifted to see the adaptation of the verse to our present day with the invocation of the Government and Council of the Lord in Justice and Truth. God Bless you in mythic Appalachia from from our communities here in Olympos and the Alps through which you traveled and once and still live! May the voices of the angels bring us ever closer to one another and to Him!

[@cowwdoymac_19]

Слава Тебе Боже слава Тебе!

[@sandraelder1101]

The drone note really gives it that melancholic, almost primeval sound. I can almost imagine Ralph Stanley taking a verse.

[@dianakidd4219]

You’ve got to be kidding. It’s not bluegrass at all.

[@crazychase98]

​@@dianakidd4219I think he means the people singing it there accent it's actual WV singing it. An there Is a Easter. Orthodox church in WV several actual.

[@jojen4083]

Greetings from Bulgaria

[@davidmckelvey2601]

I'm Protestant but this makes me want to join an Orthodox monastery in the Appalachian mountians.

[@brettsmith2119]

Holy Cross Monastery. Wayne, WV. I'm Protestant as well.

[@BS-np8xt]

Do it!

[@williamcordasco945]

There is one- Holy Cross in West Virginia- Godspeed you!

[@TheRealEvilRoy]

This slaps incredibly hard

[@johnkutnar8501]

God is with us !

[@timfronimos459]

This could be the future of Eastern Orthodoxy in America. A blend of timeless Tradition and taking the best of local culture. Just as has happened over the centuries within every local Church. Praised be Jesus Christ.

[@centurione6489]

Guys, these are Cristian Horthodox chants, not bluegrass.

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

I have never heard Angels utter words until today.

[@TheCountessDarkness]

AMAZING!! The Spirit of God never stops manifesting Itself!!❤

[@isaweesaw]

Appalachian chanting sounds a lot like Gaelic psalm singing, similar to how bluegrass and Scottish/Irish folk have many similarities. Appalachians and Gaels have a lot more in common than most realise kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWSwq42dhad_abM

[@seirbhiseach]

Old Appalachian hymn singing features "lining-out" as well. While Appalachians don't exclusively or even predominantly come from a Gaelic culture, it seems to be the common congregational solution to the age old problem of illiteracy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKOnfZ2VmdKonac

[@thankyou8622]

for those curious, there are a few more videos of this parish and its music here www.youtube.com/@RightGlory

[@AnastasiaTheConvert]

Please visit Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne W Virginia to experience the Holy Apostolic Church of Christ Jesus. They are in process of building a temple but take visitors and donations.

[@jamesbarksdale978]

I love this! Orthodoxy may just have discovered it's American identity!

[@90sretrodad]

It's just what I needed, the words to remind me of the Truth, Way and the Life There Of and There In. Immanuel, GOD is with us amen!

[@axelrodriguez5425]

Where can I see the sheet music for this?

[@orthodoxcrossingville]

Following!

[@mikefitzpatrick1213]

Somehow this adds a depth that's unreal. Thanks for this!

[@donnakrauss94]

Blessings to all Orthodox Christians. ☦️☦️☦️

[@pinetreeriots]

This is so amazing. As an Orthodox American, I need more of this.

[@SpearOfLughh]

One of the most beautiful versions of chant I have ever heard, being so avidly into bluegrass & Appalachia as an Englishman & being so intwined with Christianity as an Anglican-Catholic, this speaks to my heart and soul.

[@Aromatic.Bleach]

Yall need to drop it with the bluegrass comments. This has no relation to it, nor does it share any similarity.

[@SpearOfLughh]

@@Aromatic.Bleach Just pointing out I enjoy the southern sound, not solely bluegrass, I never said it was anything like bluegrass.

[@SpearOfLughh]

@@Aromatic.Bleach I just worded it poorly, I hope you have a blessed day

[@player1playforfun]

I hope you find the truth in Orthodoxy, my brother in Christ!

[@RickSimmons-ej1pv]

There are undeniable traces of bluegrass in this chant my friend. Take the plugs out of your ears.@@Aromatic.Bleach

[@Sludgeyriffs]

Beautiful

[@dopebeatstudios]

i wish the recording was of better quality

[@RightGlory]

The audio and video was a capture of a Christmas concert on a cell phone, so required a little TLC to get the echo out. Here's without the echo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPHaamtoddrp7M Segments of the rest of the concert can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5DCq5yZmdhnqcU Lord willing, I'll capture better audio and video at the next concert.

[@kingfedrick4698]

Sound like "O Death" from O Brother where art thou.

[@victoriabutanu5400]

So beautiful and awe inspiring! So happy to see people coming to Orthodoxy. Greeting from the East. Слава Богу за всё!

[@ValidityJ]

As an American. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Appalachian style singing. It makes me want to move there. Y'all, I feel, are truly representing Orthodoxy with an American undertone in your style....which is SO REFRESHING! YES. We speak ENGLISH. YES. We have own own style. It's HAUNTINGLY beautiful.....full of strength, sorrow, humility, full of proclamation power!! It's truly amazing.

[@MC-yv5ln]

Sounds more like old time than bluegrass

[@gerardmichaelburnsjr.]

This reminds me of the famous Gregorian Chant of the Medieval Catholic Church.

[@weirdlyrachel]

Gorgeous. This is mash-up I never would have expected to witness, and it’s perfect.

[@thebadlander3608]

I feel like me (midwestern) and Appalachians have a lot in common

[@Cata-Holic_Doode]

Too short! So beautiful

[@ДмитрийВалериевич-ч1ц]

Слава Господу Иисусу Христу!

[@HudsonFamily7]

The song that is played before going to battle. +

[@balsamitrovic4346]

Amin

[@mad7206]

I have goosebumps listening to this

[@TheMollyPitchers]

My roots have been in the Ohio valley since the 1630s. Thank you from a part of my soul that hasn't got a a description.❤ Is there an album?